San Diego Sector Border Patrol seizes 71.65 Pounds of heroin on Interstate 5

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents teamed up with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to stop a major narcotics smuggling attempt, intercepting more than 70 pounds of heroin on Wednesday night.

At 6:45 p.m., agents assigned to the San Clemente Border Patrol Station conducted a vehicle stop on northbound Interstate 5. A Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, and a subsequent search of the trunk uncovered 29 packages of suspected narcotics concealed in a cardboard box.

Agents took the driver, packages, and vehicle to a nearby Border Patrol station for further processing. The contents of the packages tested positive for heroin, with a total weight of 71.65 pounds and an estimated street value of $292,500.

Agents turned over the driver and narcotics to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The driver, a Mexican national, will face state narcotics charges.

“This heroin smuggling attempt is another example of the threats our agents face in combating foreign terrorist organizations that push deadly drugs into American communities,” said San Clemente Station Patrol Agent in Charge Orlando E. Romero. “It also demonstrates the strength of our agency when we collaborate with other local, state, and federal agencies.”

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance along corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.